A YOUNG man who died tragically in the River Colne had recently become a father.

Timothy David Greenhalgh’s body was discovered in the River Colne in Slaithwaite on Wednesday, December 21.

His devastated father, Peter, told the Examiner that Tim doted on his fiancee Laura Caddy and his six-month-old baby daughter Evelyn and had been looking forward to their first Christmas together as a family.

But the alarm was raised after Tim failed to return to their Spa Field Terrace home in Slaithwaite on December 20.

Laura said: “He had been to his work’s Christmas party on the Tuesday night and had been really looking forward to going.’’

Hours later Tim’s body was found in the fast flowing river that runs through where they lived.

Mr Greenhalgh said: “We don’t know why he got out of the taxi in the centre of the village and walked the rest of the way home.

“He must have walked along a path at the side of the river. It would have been dark, the path is not lit and there is no fence between it and the river 12ft below.”

Police investigating his death ruled out suspicious activity after forensic examinations.

Mr Greenhalgh added: “There was little water in Tim’s lungs so we know he did not drown, but we are still awaiting the conclusion of the inquest and the death certificate.

“Tim was an asthmatic and we are told it is possible he may have had an attack and fallen into the river – or had the attack after he had fallen.”

An inquest into his death has now been opened and adjourned.

Tim grew up in Glossop before studying history at Huddersfield University at the same time as setting up home with Laura.

He had recently finished a masters degree in medieval history at Leeds University and was considering a Phd in Huddersfield.

He had recently started work in Huddersfield for the International Study Group, helping international students find the right course and means of study.

Friends described Tim as a person who would go out of his way to help others, loyal, and with a dry wit and sense of humour.

His family have received hundreds of messages of support, both cards and on Facebook.

He leaves three brothers, Simon, Damien and Matthew.

Tim’s funeral was held in Glossop last Friday where family and friends wore bright colours to celebrate his life.

A trust fund for his little girl has been set up to help provide the future he and Laura wanted for her.

Cheques can be made out to Evelyn Greenhalgh, or to a special on line bank account 11-91-15, 07680412.